Children’s Speech and Language Therapy
The Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service is a countywide specialist service for children and young people aged 0 – 18 and their families and carers. We work within a variety of locations including mainstream schools, community clinics, preschool settings, special schools and client’s homes.
Speech and Language Therapists are qualified professionals with an in-depth knowledge of difficulties with communication and eating and drinking disorders. This includes the following areas:
- language delay and disorder
- speech sound difficulties
- profound hearing impairment
- cleft palate
- stammering
- Social communication difficulties with associated language difficulties
- voice disorders
- selective mutism
The service provides assessment, advice and treatment planned around the individual needs of the child and family. Advice, training and support may also be provided to teaching and support staff or other professionals as appropriate, to facilitate the development of communication skills.
Contact us
Springbank Community Resource Centre
Springbank Way
Cheltenham
GL51 0LG
Call 0300 421 8937
Email SLTchild@ghc.nhs.uk
Find us on Facebook
Our core hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Drop in sessions
Drop in sessions are for parents of pre-school children, not currently known to the service, to come along and discuss any concerns regarding their child’s communication development. Each appointment lasts up to 15 minutes.
On arrival we ask you to register and families are seen on a first come basis. These sessions may be busy and we can only see a maximum of 8 children per session. If your session is full, we may ask you to come to a different session. Please be aware there may be other families in the clinic room. Our team will discuss your concerns, observe your child and provide advice and suggest activities you can play at home. If further assessment is required, a follow up appointment will be offered.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed, however, some children who have been referred to Speech and Language Therapy will be invited to attend a drop in session.
Can a family member take my child to a drop in?
We are only able to see children with their legal guardian.
Can I bring other children with me?
Due to the size of our clinic rooms we recommend that you only bring the child you are concerned about.
Where are the drop in sessions held?
The drop in sessions are held around the county in a variety of clinics covering Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and the Forest. The sessions are advertised on posters at health centres and in preschool settings. Alternatively you can call 0300 421 8937 to find your nearest drop-in.
Making a request for support
Use the forms below to request support from the team for a child with an eating or drinking disorder or a speech and language problem.
We are happy to accept requests for assistance from anyone supporting the child. However, informed parental consent must have been given before completing this form.
Training for professionals
The Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service currently offer a range of training courses for professionals working with primary aged children.
Understanding Language training covers
- The development of understanding of concepts, instructions, questions
- Factors affecting understanding of language
- Supporting children with difficulties understanding language
- Delivering speech and language therapy targets
Expressive language training covers
- The development of grammar, vocabulary and narrative skills
- Factors affecting expressive language
- Supporting children with difficulties using language
- Delivering speech and language therapy targets
Speech Sound Development training covers
- The normal development of speech sounds
- When to refer
- Different types of speech difficulties
- Supporting children with speech difficulties
- Delivering speech and language therapy programmes
Upcoming courses
Expressive language
Thursday 12th March 2020, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Springbank Resource Centre
£50 per person
For more information or to book, email nicola.hacker@ghc.nhs.uk or call 0300 421 6722
Speech Sound Development
Thursday 11th June 2020, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Springbank Resource Centre
£50 per person
For more information or to book, email nicola.hacker@ghc.nhs.uk or call 0300 421 6722
Understanding Language
Next course TBC
For more information or to book, email nicola.hacker@ghc.nhs.uk or call 0300 421 6722
Useful links
Below are links to sites offering information, advice and support from a range of regional and national organisations.
- I CAN – Children’s communication charity
- Glosfamilies directory – Information, support and advice for families, children and young people
- Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists – The professional body for Speech & Language Therapists
- The Communication Trust – A coalition of 50 not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication
- The National Autistic Society – Information, support and services for people on the autism spectrum and their families
- Talking Point – A resource database, library of local services and progress checker, developed by I CAN
- Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service – A countywide service which aims to reduce domestic abuse and ensure the safety of victims and families
- Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board – Co-ordinates safeguarding and welfare of children in Gloucestershire
- National Literacy Trust – An independent charity helping children develop literacy skills
- Gloucestershire Total Communication
- National Deaf Children’s Society – A charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf chlidren and young people
- British Stammering Association – Information, inspiration, support and advice for people who stammer
- Afasic England – A parent-led organisation helping children and young people with speech and language impairments
- The Speech Language and Communication Framework – A free online development tool provided by The Communication Trust
- Down’s Syndrome Association – A charity providing information and support for people with Down’s Syndrome
